Local Heroes

More than food

This blog post is written by Tila Chikufenji, our National Director of Malawi.

There are a lot of theories out there based on studies conducted by “the learned.” Governments and scholars are investing in early childhood workers. They are equipping us to transform societies through a generational reformation as we invest in the education, feeding and clothing of our children. For long we have heard of this, and today so much is being done and said that now 2% of the national budget must go towards early childhood development work.

But, if you travel 56 kilometres to the west of Ntcheu district in Malawi, the story goes beyond all the theory. We are practicing the talk and walking our words. Simply put, each day we are learning how different kids respond to the same word, same care and same effort. Our work has made us realize and come to admit that just food, effort, and a lot of money cannot even, in the short term, give assurance for reformation.

Myself and the volunteers I work with each day – Beauty, Maria, Mike and Alicy, plus many more who help in circles with cooking and cleaning – know that the basis for change is the word of God. In the word is love, for God is love. In the word is care, for God cares. In the word is provision, for our God at VisionTrust Center is a provider. We never lack each day as the kids take breakfast, lunch and dinner, never worrying about tomorrow. We believe in love; come visit us!

Our hope comes from seeing kids like Yosefe Antonio, who was once malnourished, smile and run around like any other kid. God can do anything. It took patience, someone praying each day, and now the kid’s stories are different. It only begs that you and I continue to be true servants and do the word. In tears we celebrate this work, and in courage we live believing tomorrow we will do much more, and the Center will change as God wills.

Behind these kids are those of us who have grown up limited by the events of life. And so we target leaders and guardians, hoping as they begin to see things the way we do, as God begins to change their sight of things, change will come; change that will last forever.

We support 84 kids through feeding, basic teaching and spiritual discipleship, but only 29 kids are sponsored. This means that your sponsorship of a child will help us reach more in the most unique way. We are determined, willing and ready to do this the way God wants. Support a child and be part of this transformation.